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Role of contraception in HIV prevention

Lufuluabo, Ngeleka Albert (2013-03)

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Reproductive health of people living with HIV/AIDS is a significant public health issue because of its associated risks of HIV transmission to both, the baby and the sexual partner. Provision of effective contraceptive to HIV-positive women is a proven prevention strategy, and can help prevent unintended pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections. Unmet need for contraception in developing world and rates of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV remain highly prevalent. The objectives of this study were to identify the current knowledge of HIV-positive women on existing contraceptive methods, determine their current contraceptive practices, identify barriers to contraception use, and provide recommendations on how contraception uptake can be improved among these women in Kasane. A cross-sectional study using qualitative technique was used among twenty five (25) participants at Kasane Primary Hospital. In-depth interviews were conducted with the help of research assistants for data collection. Excel Microsoft Office Software was used for socio-demographics data entry and analysis, and qualitative data were analysed manually using descriptive statistics. Main reasons for low uptake of contraception were desire for children, partner refusal, side effects, and socio-cultural and religious factors. Contraception prevalence was 56 % and condom was the most used contraceptive method (36%). whereas the rate of unintended pregnancies was 60% . Knowledge of contraception was high (100%) but limited proportion of participants (12%) had an expended understanding of contraception as a HIV prevention strategy. Most women living with HIV prefer to space, limit or stop childbearing but do not use any contraceptive method and found themselves with unintended pregnancy. Despite the good knowledge about contraception among participants, the uptake remained low. About half (44%) of the women interviewed were not on any contraceptive method. The choice to use contraception interferes with many factors and the desire to fulfil the primary reproductive intention of men and women, including those living with HIV, mostly override this choice. There is need for a strategic integrated approach that conveys HIV prevention messages and discusses the importance of planning a pregnancy. Thus promoting dual protection among women living with HIV.